NJ City Honors Breast Cancer Survivor Josefina Rosa with Street Name
Guest Contributor
In Camden, New Jersey, a street now bears the name of someone whose life has been defined by resilience, compassion, and community service. Josefina Rosa Way was unveiled on July 29, honoring a breast cancer survivor whose impact on her city extends far beyond her diagnosis. Rosa’s story, as reported by NJ Advance Media, is one of strength in adversity and tireless dedication to others. Her journey has made her a beloved figure in Camden, and now her name is etched into its very streetscape.
Josefina Rosa, 71, has long been a recognizable presence in the community, not only for her work at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care but also for her advocacy and fundraising through her Jeep club, Los Leathers. Her black 2012 Jeep Wrangler, La Guerrera—Spanish for “the warrior”—is more than a vehicle; it’s a symbol of her fight against cancer and her commitment to causes like autism and cancer awareness. The pink breast cancer ribbon on her windshield tells part of her story, but the full narrative is one of enduring public service.
The decision to name a street after Rosa came shortly after a personal moment of hope. Three weeks after learning she would need to restart her chemotherapy pills, Rosa made a wish at her work desk: that the mayor would name a street after her. Just three days later, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen visited her home and told her that her wish would come true. “I started crying, and crying,” Rosa said. “That was like a wish come true.” The street sign was unveiled in a ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and community members, a moment that affirmed her deep connection to the city she’s served for decades.
Camden Councilman Falio Leyba-Martinez, who nominated Rosa for the honor, described her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond for her neighbors. “She’s a person of doing good,” he said. That sentiment was echoed by Frances Lee, a coworker at MD Anderson, who has witnessed Rosa’s compassion firsthand. “I’ve seen her cry with patients. I’ve seen her hug patients. I’ve seen her give tissues to patients,” Lee said. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Rosa brings empathy and understanding to her role, making her an invaluable resource for those facing similar battles.
Rosa’s community involvement doesn’t end when she leaves work. Through Los Leathers, she organizes awareness drives that wind through Camden’s streets, complete with sirens, music, and banners promoting causes like cancer research and autism support. On weekends, members of the club gather at her home to plan their routes and events. These gatherings are more than social outings—they are acts of visibility and solidarity, designed to uplift and inform the community.
Her efforts extend to fundraising for local needs, from school book drives to assisting individuals recently diagnosed with cancer. According to Rosa, the goal is always to make sure people feel supported. “We go all over the streets, not just one specific street, and that way everyone sees and everyone enjoys,” she said. “People like seeing that.”
In 2006, Rosa even served a year as a Councilwoman At-Large, further cementing her role as a bridge between residents and city officials. Frances Lee recalled how Rosa helped her navigate local bureaucracy to dispose of a large couch, a small but telling example of her practical support. “She knows who to call to have things taken care of,” Lee said. It’s this kind of everyday assistance that makes Rosa a trusted figure in her neighborhood.
Her friend and fellow club member Gloria Velez wasn’t surprised by the city’s decision to honor Rosa. “Everybody was like, ‘You deserve it. You deserve it because you do a lot for the community,’” Velez said. That sense of deserving is rooted not just in Rosa’s personal struggles, but in her unwavering commitment to others. She has turned her own experience with illness into a source of strength and empathy, using her platform to uplift those around her.
What struck me most about Rosa’s story is how seamlessly she integrates her advocacy into daily life. Whether she’s at work comforting a patient, organizing a Jeep convoy for awareness, or helping a neighbor navigate city services, Rosa embodies a deep, enduring care for her community. Her new street sign is more than a tribute—it’s a symbol of what one person can accomplish through kindness, perseverance, and civic engagement.
For Rosa, the honor is deeply personal. “It made my life, I feel important,” she said. “There’s times you feel that people don’t care about you. But I really felt love, and I saw that there was the love there from everyone.” The street named in her honor is not just a marker on a map; it’s a legacy of compassion and community that will inspire others for years to come.
